It's not till sex has died out between a man and a woman…
“It's not till sex has died out between a man and a woman that they can really love. And now I mean affection. Now I mean to be fond of (as one is fond of oneself) -to hope, to be disappointed, to live inside the other heart. When I look back on the pain of sex, the love like a wild fox so ready to bite, the antagonism that sits like a twin beside love, and contrast it with affection, so deeply unrepeatable, of two people who have lived a life together (and of whom one must die) it's the affection I find richer. It's that I would have again. Not all those doubtful rainbow colors.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True love emerges after sexual desire fades, revealing deeper affection that endures beyond physical intimacy and personal loss.
In simple terms: Love deepens after sex ends, becoming lasting affection.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate emotional intimacy beyond physical desire.
Themes
love
affection
post-sexual intimacy
Mood
nostalgic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- long-term partnerships
- marriage counseling
- widowhood support
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
human relationships
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love thrive without sexual intimacy?
- How does sexual loss affect emotional bonds?
A Different Perspective
The view may undervalue the role of sexual connection in healthy relationships.